Cartridge and a firearm for such a cartridge



Nov. 26, 1968 HANS-LUDWIG SCHIRNEKER 3,

CARTRIDGE AND A FIREARM FOR SUCH A CARTRIDGE l0 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 2, 1966 HANS-LUDWIG SCHIRNEKER 3,412,681 CARTRIDGE AND A FIREARM FOR SUCH A CARTRIDGE 1O Sheets-Sheet 2 Nov. 26, 1968 Filed June 2, 1966 3 g. m 3 a N. E w

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United States Patent 3,412,681 CARTRIDGE AND A FIREARM FOR SUCH A CARTRIDGE Hans-Ludwig Schimeker, 4771 Vollinghausen (Mohne), Engelslit 10, Germany Filed June 2, 1966, Ser. No. 554,770 Claims priority, application Switzerland, June 11, 1965,

6 Claims. (c1. 102-38) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A cartridge comprising a case provided with an ignition cap and containing a plurality of bullets and an ignitable propellant charge, the bullets being detachably connected together, end-to-end to form a row with the lead bullet forming a closure cap for the case. The bullets are constructed and arranged so that, upon ignition, the propulsive force of the charge acts mainly upon the lead bullet thereby to provide a traction effect on the succeeding bullets, whereby all of the bullets are discharged at a uniform, initial velocity. The bullets are connected together in a manner such that they separate into individual bullets upon discharge from the barrel of the firearm.

The invention relates to a cartridge consisting of a cartridge case, an ignition capsule provided for the cartridge case, and an ignitable propellent charge, with, arranged in the case, at least one series of bullets consisting of individual bullets arranged one after another.

Also, the invention relates to a firearm for such a cartridge, consisting essentially of a weapon with a breech, a trigger arrangement and a barrel, which preferably has a conical section, although this is not essential in all constructional forms.

Such cartridges and firearms are known. It is already known to provide a series arrangement of bullets in a cartridge case, for example, two bullets can be detachably arranged one after the other.

Such bullets which have already been proposed are constructed from the standpoint that a separation is provided for on firing, care being taken that all bullets have, as far as possible, the same muzzle velocity on leaving the barrel. It has been proposed, for example, to provide a sec tional conical barrel, which compresses the bullets in the conical portion and so causes an alteration in the length of the row of bullets, so that the bullets are separated from one another.

Also, it has been proposed in this connection that between separate bullets means are provided to ignite powder charges sectionally between the foremost bullets, in order to separate the foremost bullet from the succeeding ones.

In this connection, the means described can be improved, since the known proposals rely upon using mutually separated individual bullets which thus require a special action by the propellent charge.

It is also known to provide the bullets with means which impart to them a lateral action in order to achieve a definite firing pattern. With regard to the firearm provided for the cartridges according to the invention, the invention provides a barrel which, as seen from the cartridge chamber, has a conically converging portion, at least in the middle region and/ or in the vicinity of the muzzle, and a cylindrical guiding portion nearer the muzzle, which has a calibre which is reduced with respect to the cylindrical barrel portion lying in front of the conical reduced portion. The barrel is thus constructed in a special way in order to fire the special ammunition in accordance with the invention.

A major object of the invention consists in imparting to all the individual bullets in a row of bullets the same muzzle velocity on leaving the barrel. This is important in order that all bullets attain a minimum breadth of fire. With regard to the firearm, it is essential to ensure that the bullets which are propelled from a cartridge in it have the same initial velocity and yet achieve a certain firing pattern, so that the bulletts discharged in one firing cover a field of predetermined extent.

With regard to the cartridge, the invention provides that the cartridge arrangement can consist of a series of rows each containing several bullets, which are fixed in the case and particularly in the axial direction, but are detachably connected to one another, and also that at least the foremost bullet forms a closure cap for the front opening of the case on which cap the propulsive force of the charge mainly acts in order to bring about a traction effect on the arrangement of rows.

In this way, a new principle is established in that the charge essentially, that is mainly, acts on the foremost bullet in the row and in that the connection of this bullet with the succeeding bullets ensures that the foremost bullet takes with it the other succeeding bullets on discharge from the barrel. In this way, a uniform initial velocity of all the individual bullets on discharge from the barrel is achieved, and by special means, either by the arrangement of the bullets in the rows or by special means in the firearm, care is taken that the rows of bullets separate into the individual bullets on discharge from the barrel.

The principle of using the foremost bullet as a traction means is an essential feature for such an arrangement of bullets, firstly because it assumes that the bullets are connected to one another in the cartridge case and in the essentially longitudinal portion of the barrel, wherein however the major part of the propellent force acts on the tip of the row of bullets. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one row of bullets is provided, the individual bullet portions of which are connected to one another by means of a connector agent separable under the action of heat. This is essential since, by temperature determination in relation to the kind of charge used, a predetermined separation can be achieved. Advantageously, the row of bullets consists of individual bullets which include several covers and have a hollow cone in the middle.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the rows of bullets consist of several bullets which have an axial passageway passing through them up to the first bullet and which are strung together with a connecting wire or rod passing through the passageway. In this way, the individual bullets can be discharged completely separately. The connecting rod is preferably provided between the individual bullets with rupturable portions, formed for example, by notches provided in the connecting rod.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the portion of the wire or rod which projects from the rearmost bullet is associated with a paddle wheel with vanes of elastic material and these vanes rotate on rotation of the bullets caused by engagement of portions of the foremost bullet in the rifiing in a barrel having a reduced diameter. In this way, satisfactory passage through the barrel is ensured.

Preferably, the tips of the successive bullets engage in hollow spaces provided in the preceding bullets. According to a preferred embodiment, the substantially conical hollow spaces of preceding bullets have a greater apex angle than the tips of the succeeding bullets inserted thereinto, so that the series of bullets can accommodate lateral deviations. It is essential for the invention that the bullets have a cover, preferably a steel cover, which is flared over a longitudinal section of the bullet to form a cone which closes a forward opening of the case or a neck portion of the case.

According to a further embodiment, for stabilising the rows of bullets, an advantageous form of the invention is provided in which a row of bullets has its foremost bullet supported within the cartridge case and its rearward end mounted on a pin in the base of the cartridge case.

In a further embodiment of the invention, bullets can be provided which are convexly-curved in longitudinal section and the succeeding bullets are detachably connected to one another, the first bullet closing the neck of the case and the succeeding bullets having longitudinal grooves in their cover portions, which provide a free gas passage from the cartridge base to the foremost bullet in the row.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the rows of bullets each consisting of a plurality of individual bullets, preferably of equal longitudinal dimensions, are formed from a material workpiece as a turned body which is provided with reduced thickness portions for creating fracture points between the bullets, the reduced width portions being so formed that the tips of the train of bullets are thereby substantially formed and in that at least the foremost bullet body in the row has a cover consisting for example of copper or the like which includes a flared or splayed conical plate for forming a closure for the cartridge case opening, whereby on firing the powder charge the propellant gases impinge upon the conical plate.

vUpon firing, a predetermined pattern of the discharged cone of fire can be attained. For this, the invention provides, according to an advantageous embodiment, that the bullets have rearward conical recesses and the tips of succeeding bullets are arranged in the recesses in offline positions so that the longitudinal axes of the separate bullets are displaced from one another in zig-zag fashion. According to another embodiment of the invention, for the same purpose, the bullets have rearward conical recesses in which the tips of the succeeding bullets are lodged parallel to one another but laterally displaced from the main longitudinal axis, preferably in the peripheral direction.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the bullets are provided with a cover of a hard material and a core, for example of soft lead, the cover being open to the rear and the core having a conical recess for receiving the tip of the following bullet. The cover itself is compressible rearwardly on separation of the row of bullets with displacement of the soft lead in the cover to close off the recess. In this way, vortex formation is avoided.

A particular embodiment of the invention consists in a row of arrow-shaped bullets with rearwardly open, funnelshaped ends, into which the front conical tips of succeeding bullets are inserted and are secured or cemented into place. The funnel-shaped ends can be provided with perforations.

The firearm provided for these cartridges preferably has a barrel which in known manner has a first cylindrical portion with rifiing, then attached to it a conical unrified portion and then finally a further cylindrical portion. It is essential for the first cylindrical barrel portion adjacent the cartridge carrier to be provided with rifiing.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the conical portion is drawn in towards the middle at four places mutually displaced by 90 and a cylindrical portion is then provided which has, round a cylindrical opening, four cruciform radially-outwardly directed slots.

According to another advantageous form with a preferably cylindrical cartridge case, the first bullet of the row of bullets is encircled by an annular body which closes the cartridge case forwardly and is detachable from the foremost bullet. In this way in a simple manner, a cartridge is provided which has a closure part which is not suspended from the bullets, but which promotes the driving force for the whole of the row or rows of bullets.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the

bullets in the row of bullets are embedded in a sleeve arranged in the propellant charge of the cartridge, which sleeve consists of a combustible material so arranged that the body material is consumed on discharge from the barrel. In this way, a paticularly satisfactory disposition of the bullets in the cartridge is given, the sleeve and also the previously mentioned body material preferably consisting of a material which comes into engagement with the rifling of the barrel. These cartridges can be fired in firearms with cylindrical barrels.

According to another advantageous embodiment, the foremost bullet in the row of bullets has a greater crosssectional area than the succeeding bullets and closes the neck of the cartridge. The succeeding bullets can be constructed as barb-like bullets with stabilising fins. According to another embodiment, bullets are provided having cores consisting from the inside to the outside of a variety of materials of differing thermal expansion co-efiicients, so that at least the rear ends of the cores provided with rearward openings, in which the succeeding bullets engage and are located, widen under the thermal effect in order to release the succeeding bullets.

In a firearm which includes a breech, a trigger device and a barrel, preferably with a conical portion. It is advantageous for a bullet arrangement according to the invention, which is actuated in chain or train fashion with the foremost bullet providing the tractive effort, to provide a device, in the region of the front end of the barrel, which is eccentric or is adjustable in the peripheral direction, for producing a pressure pulse to one side of a bullet portion. Such a device serves to separate the rows of bullets into the separate bullet portions. For this purpose, a particular embodiment of the invention includes as impact device which is mounted so as to be movable transversely of the longitudinal axis of the barrel and is under the unilateral action of a spring, a friction effect thereby being provided which delays reciprocal movement and applies alternatelydirected impacts to successive bullets.

According to another construction, a setting device with a cylindrical portion having a conical peripheral surface is provided, which portion surrounds the barrel and is movable in the longitudinal direction of the barrel, which device co-operates with a corresponding conical surface on the impact device and centres this in the cylindrical portion of the barrel, in one position, and, in another, releases it for reciprocal movement.

According to a further embodiment, a rotatable portion (setting wheel) concentric to the barrel aperture and including a part of it is provided in the firearm barrel, and has radial abutment surfaces for laterally-directed propulsion gases.

A chamber for receiving the propulsion gases is connected with an extension cavity, which connects the chamber with a radial aperture in the setting wheel in one direction. Through this radial aperture, the propulsion gases pass into the barrel.

In a further embodiment of the invention, two screwthread shaped portions are arranged in the barrel, which are fixed in their axial direction, but are adjustable in the peripheral direction, and according to the size of parts which are located in symmetrical arrangement between the portions, a one-sided groove is produced by which a unilateral effect of the propulsion gases is produced. It can be seen that the barrel, in the region of any lateral or inclined setting device, has an over-calibre, in order to produce a lateral displacement of individual bullet portions for separation of a row of bul lets.

The invention will be described in more detail in connection with the particular embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a side view of a cratridge, in longitudinal section and on an enlarged scale, with a row of bullets;

FIG. 2 shows a side view of another form of cartridge with a row of bullets, also in longitudinal section;

FIG. 3 shows a side view of a further embodiment of a cartridge in longitudinal section, with a now of bullets;

FIG. 4 shows a section on the line IVIV of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows a section through a barrel portion of a firearm not otherwise indicated in the drawings, having a conical barrel portion, whereby a reduction in cross-section with respect to the portion of the barrel adjacent the cartridge chamber is shown;

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a cartridge for which, in contrast to the preceding cartridges, a weapon with a cylindrical barrel is necessary;

FIG. 7 shows a longitudinal section through a cartridge with a row of bullets, the cartridge being provided for a firearm with a barrel which has a cylindrical cross-section;

FIGS. 8 to show various forms of a bullet on its passage through the barrel provided for this kind of projectile, FIGS. 8 and 9 showing side sectional views and FIG. 10 showing a rear view;

FIGS. 11 to 13 show various cross-sections through a barrel provided for a cartridge according to FIG. 7, in which it may be mentioned that such a barrel is illustrated in FIG. 14, and FIG. 11 is a section on the line XIXI, FIG. 12 a section on the line XIIXII and FIG. 13 a section on the line XIII-XIII;

FIG. 14 shows a partial side view of a barrel for a cartridge acording to FIG. 7 with cross-sections according to FIGS. 11 to 13;

FIG. 15 shows a fragmentary side view of the front end of a fire-arm barrel with a device for applying a lateral impulse to the bullet portions;

FIG. 16 shows a view corresponding to FIG. 15 of another embodiment in which different means are provided for applying a lateral impulse to the bullet portions;

FIG. 17 shows a section on the line XVII-XVII of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 shows a section on the line XVIIIXVIII of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 shows a side view of the forward portion of a barrel in cross-section, to explain a special embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 20 shows a cross-section through the barrel of FIG. 19, to illustrate the middle position;

FIG. 21 shows a cross-section through the barrel according to FIG. 19, to illustrate a control position;

FIG. 22 shows a side view of a barrel in cross-section for a particular kind of bullet, particularly according to FIGS. 1 to 4, 25, 27 or 28;

FIG. 23 shows a side view of a special embodiment of cartridge in cross-section, for example using rows of bullets according to FIG. 6 or a modification according to FIGS. 1 and 2 or FIGS. to 27;

FIG. 24 shows a front view of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 shows a special side view of a row of bullets in another kind of manufacture in side view and in section, without illustrating a cartridge;

FIG. 26 shows a section corresponding to FIG. '25 through another form, with individual bullets releasably connected to one another;

FIG. 26a shows a diagrammatic illustration in dotted lines of the axis arrangement for individual bullets in a row;

FIG. 26b shows a diagrammatic illustration in dotted lines of another axis arrangement for individual bullets in a row;

FIG. 27 shows a side view of a separate embodiment of a row of bullets in cross-section without illustrating a cartridge;

FIG. 28 shows an individual bullet of the row of bullets according to FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 shows a side view of a cartridge in crosssection with an ignition device and several rows of bullets which are arranged in a special way, the illustration cor- 6 responding substantially to the embodiment according to FIG. 23;

FIG. 30 shows a side view of another embodiment of a cartridge in cross-section;

FIGS. 31a and 311) show a part of FIG. 30 in front view and side view respectively.

FIG. 32 shows a side view of another embodiment of a cartridge with a row of bullets in cross-section;

FIG. 33 shows a side view of a further embodiment of a cartridge with a row of bullets in cross-section;

FIG. 34 shows a side view of another cartridge with a row of bullets, the rear bullets including finned bullets, again in cross-section;

FIGS. 35a and 35b show respectively a side view of a finned bullet according to FIG. 34 and a front view of such a finned bullet;

FIG. 36 shows a side view of an arrow-shaped bullet in cross-section; and,

FIG. 37 shows a cross-section along the line XXXVII XXXVII of FIG. 36.

In FIG. 1, .a cartridge is illustrated. It consists of a cartridge case 1 with a case or base cap 2, in which a percussion cap 3 is arranged which is connected by fire holes 4, 5 with the inside of the cartridge case. The case is constructed to be substantially cylindrical and is filled with a propellant charge 6. In it is located a row 7 of bullets, the foremost bullet carrying a flared conical plate 8 which closes the case at the front, and the individual bullets 9, 10, 11 12 having at their rear ends substantially conical recesses 13, 14, 15 16, in which either the cone of a succeeding bullet or a support pin 17 arranged in the base cap of the case engages. The fire holes 4, 5 are disposed laterally of the support pin 17.

Each of the bullets 10, 11 12 consists of a soft core 18 and a steel envelope 19 which, however, is open at the base of the bullet in the region of the recesses 14 to 16. The flared plate 8 on the foremost bullet 9 has, in a corresponding manner, a covering extending from the steel envelope 20 of the bullet 9 proper and preferably also includes a part 21 of the soft iron core of the bullet 9.

The bullets are preferably detachably connected together, for instance, by means of a solder which has a definite temperature, but melts shortly before or at the temperature which is attained in the region of the outlet from the barrel on ignition of the charge. For this purpose, tin solder or silver solder can be used. It is possible to connect the individual bullets together by means of a plastics material adhesive. The properties of the binding agent depend upon predetermined factors, such as the length of the bullets, the kind of powder, the length of the barrel, the temperature of the combustion gases (between 2050 and 4350 C.), friction caused by the construction of the barrel, heat conductivity of the bullet material and the length of the conical part of the barrel, and so on. That the barrel must be conical is shown from the plate-like flared portion 8 which must be compressed into the conical part.

It is important that the rearward facing surface of the plate-like flared portion 8 of the foremost bullet of such an arrangement in a row be greater in area than the surface which the base of the bullet, e.g. the rearmost bullet, has, in order to ensure proper application of a projectile force to the row of bullets.

FIG. 2 shows another embodiment with a cartridge case 22, the base cap of which is constructed in the same way as that shown in FIG. 1. In FIG, 2, the same parts are indicated with the same references as in FIG. 1. The row or chain of bullets 23 is not supported on a rearward support pin, in contrast to the first embodiment, but is held by the connection of the individual bullets within the hollow space which is filled with the propellant charge 6. For better guidance, on the tips of the row of bullets, the two foremost bullet portions 24, 25 are each provided with a plate-like flared portion 26, 27, which portions are held in a reduced diameter neck portion 28 of the cartridge case. The conical recesses at the rear ends of the individual bullets form an exact flt for the inserted tips of the successive bullets. As the connection means, the same materials can be used as are described in the embodiment according to FIG. 1. The bullets according to FIG. 2 also have an external envelope 29 consisting for example of steel and an inner core 30, which is cylindrical and can be surrounded by a concavely curved core cover 31 within the steel envelope. One of these bullet parts can also consist of copper, brass or the like. The bullets according to FIG. 2 include hollow spaces 32, 33 which are connected together by an aperture 34 extending centrally in the longitudinal direction to the bullets, which is subsequently closed either by a rod or by a plugging material 35, for example tin solder. The front end of the channel formed by the central aperture 34 terminates for example under the closed steel cover 36 of the foremost bullet in the row. The hollow spaces 32, 33 can be filled with a jellified material which, for example, can contain an anaesthetic material. It is important in the present case that a row of bullets with a freely floating rear end be provided with a suitable support, which by the two plate-like flared skirt portions 26, 27 is held in a form of 2-point bearing, wherein securement can be augmented by a thin rod inserted into the channel formed by the aperture 34. The individual bullets are embedded within the hollow space in the case in the powder charge.

It is important with the embodiments according to FIGS. 1 and 2 that the length of the individual bullets is suitably greater than six times the selected diameter of the rear bullets. Such a bullet leaves the barrel as an arrangement of bullets which then separate at the exit from the firearm because of the factors prevailing there. According to a further feature of the invention, with a row of bullets provided with two flared plates 26, 27, the reward plate 27 can be provided with perforations, in order to allow suitably timed ignition of the charge 36 between the two plate-like flared portions 26 and 27 to take place.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 3, the cartridge case 38 is constructed in the same way as in the embodiment according to FIG. 1, so that the same parts are provided with the same references. The row 39 of bullets is arranged in the charge 6 within the case. The foremost individual bullet 40 has a plate-like flared portion 41 which closes the front of the case.

The individual bullets each have a soft core surrounded by a steel envelope. In general, an important feature consists in that recesses 42, 43, 44 at the ends of the individual bullets have a greater cone angle than the tips 45, 46, 47 of the relevant successive bullets which are inserted into these openings. Thus the row of bullets has a certain play laterally and can adopt an angled arrangement within the limits of the openings provided. All the inner bullet portions 48, 49 have a full-length aperture which ends in the foremost bullet in the row at a distance from the ti as shown at 50. This aperture is provided with a rod 51 which projects rearwardly with an extension section 52 from the rearmost bullet in the row. The rod, for example a steel rod, is provided with a knurled marks surrounding it in a circumferential direction which form fracture points between the separate bullet portions. These knurlings can be formed by a screw thread on the rod 51.

The knurlings or marks can serve to a certain extent to hold the individual bullet in the series in place on the rod. For this purpose, the thread for example can be embedded in the soft cores of the separate bullets. The trans mission of the gas pressure caused on ignition of the charge to the plate-like flared portion 41 of the foremost bullet and thus acting as the propelling force is thus safely transmitted as a traction force to the train of bullets, the play between the bullets ensuring rupture either because of normal conditions on exit from the barrel or under conditions which are described in more detail below. It may be mentioned at this point that such bullets are fired by means of a normal barrel to which a conically reduced portion is added, which merges at its discharge end into an unrifled cylindrical guide portion of reduced diameter.

The rod 51 can be smoothly guided through the central apertures and the bullet portions can be connected to one another using an adhesive in the manner already described above. In these cases on discharge, separation of the row of bullets into the individual bullets takes place through the action of the means to be described below.

A particular feature of the embodiment according to FIG. 3 is that on the portion 52 of the rod 51 a paddle wheel with four vanes 53, 54, 55, 56 of preferably flexible material is arranged, which ensures centering in the rear part of the case 38 (see FIG. 4). When the bullet arrangement is propelled forward on ignition of the charge and the circumferential part of the plate-like flared portion 41 imposes a rotation on the arrangement by engagement in the threaded or rifled parts of the barrel the vanes are curved because of their surfaces and the resistance acting against them so that they automatically adapt to a smaller diameter. In this way, entry into the conical sections of the barrel and those of smaller cross-section is facilitated. This can be achieved by the provision of inclined front edges 57 on the paddle vanes.

FIG. 5 shows a section of a barrel 58 of smaller diameter in which the vanes have been curved in arcuate form as shown at 53', 54', 55 and 56.

FIG. 6 shows a further embodiment of the invention. The cartridge case 59 corresponds to the cartridge case 22 of FIG. 2. Within the case, a row of for instance three individual bullets 60, 61, 62 is arranged, the two rear bullets 61, 62 being embedded in the charge 63. In this embodiment, the chain of bullets each engage with their tips in conical recesses in the preceding bullets and solder connections or the like are provided, in the way already described. This arrangement of bullets in which the cartridge case 59 has a reduced neck 64 is provided particularly for a cylindrical firearm barrel adapted to the bullet diameter.

In this embodiment, the chain of bullets have, on their concave or ellipsoidal surfaces, grooves 65, 66, 67, 68 running in the axial direction which can pass through the outside steel envelope which, for example, surrounds a soft iron core. These grooves have the purpose of providing for pressure equalisation and facilitate passage of the propellent gases when the rearmost bullet enters the casing neck 64 or a corresponding calibrated barrel. By these grooves, the brief separation of a space lying between individual bullets from the charge is prevented. This is desirable on firing the bullets and especially when this feature relates to a row of bullets which are provided with means according to one of FIGS. 1 to 3, in which the individual bullets can be held together by such features.

In FIG. 7, a further embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The cartridge case 69 corresponds to the embodiments of cases shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. The important feature of this embodiment consists in that, in contrast to the embodiments described, not only does the foremost bullet 70 have a plate-like flared portion 71, but all the bullets 70, 72, 73, 74 have plate-like flared portions 75, 76, 77, which have their peripheral edges in contact with the sides of the case 69, which is filled overall and between the plate-like flared "portions with the propellent charge 78.

In this embodiment, the tips 79, 80, 81, 82 of the train of bullets engage in tapered conical cavities in the preceding bullets and are secured in these by means of at least one of the connecting means mentioned or merely by an adhesive. Connection of the bullets by means of adhesive is possible through the tapered construction because of friction according to the type of material chosen. A screw-threaded connection can also be provided.

The plate-like flared portions 75 to 77 are also provided with apertures 83, 84, which ensure that ignition of the charge is propagated forwardly.

In this embodiment, the whole weight of the row of bullets is less than that of a conventional infantry bullet, so that a shorter firearm barrel and a high-firing powder can be used. The arrangement shown enables separation of an arrangement of up to fifteen bullets to be provided, for example. The apertures 83, 84 in the plate-like flared portions of the chain of bullets have, for example, a diameter of 0.3 to 0.4 mm. and are distributed symmetrically. Perforation can also be provided by means of a plurality of openings.

Apart from the adhesive mentioned, the tips of the chain of bullets can be soldered into the cavities of the preceding bullets. It is essential for the tips 70, 80, 81, 82 of the individual bullets to consist of a suitably hard' metal, for example steel, and for the plate-like flared portions 71, 75 to 77 to consist of unhardened material, so that they not only take part in firing, but also fold in.

This is shown by FIGS. 8 to and, in FIGS. 11 to 13, the associated barrel cross-sections are also illustrated. The successive associated bullets and barrel cross-sections are arranged by one another. Thus FIGS. 8 and 9 show side sections of bullets and FIG. 10 shows a rear view. The bullet has a tip or cone 86 and a plate-like flared funnel portion 87 provided with perforations 88, 89. The bullet is movable in a cylindrical barrel 90 according to FIG. 11. Such a barrel is reduced in cross-section according to FIG. 14. In FIG. 14 the cross-sections according to FIGS. 11 to 13 are indicated with XI, XII and XIII. It can be seen that the barrel not only narrows but also has radially symmetrical l-obes 91, 92, 93, 94 into which the plate-like flared part 87 is folded on the passage of the bullet through the barrel. The inward folding continues into a slit-like construction of the remaining spaces which are indicated at 95, 96, 97, 98 and these lie concentric to the central cylindrical portion 99 which is filled with the bullet cone 86. On passage through this section of the barrel the plate-like flared portion assumes the shape of fins 100, 101, 102, 103 (see FIG. 10).

The barrel shown in FIG. 14 has a known stock part (not shown) on a firearm and is provided with a cartridge chamber, recoil bolt devices, magazine, trigger devices and other normal parts.

FIG. 22 shows a known barrel 105 which is usable for example with bullets described in relation to FIGS. 1 to 3. This barrel has connected to the cartridge support a cylindrical section 106, a conical section 107 connected thereto and a further cylindrical section 108 of smaller calibre than the section 106. On the section 108, a short discharge section can be connected with a calibre widening towards the discharge opening. It is important for the section 106 to be provided in known manner with rifling 109 which gives the bullet a rotation. For the purposes of the invention, it is advantageous to provide rifling which has a depth of 0.4 to 0.5 mm. and is thus deeper than in normal fire-arms and in which, if required, the outer peripheral edges of the plate-like flared portions of the bullet engage. The drawing shows an embodiment in which the section 106 is connected with the barrel portions 107 and 108, for example by a threaded connection 110. This gives the possibility of converting known firearms by using extension pieces with the sections 107 and 108. In one suitable construction, the section 106 can have a length of 40 cm., the conical section 107 a length of 10 cm. and the cylinddical section 108 connected thereto a length of about 30 cm. It has been found to be important for the charge or powder used to be adjusted to the length of the conical section 107, so that the powder must be completely consumed as the bullets associated with the particular propellant charge leave the conical section of the barrel.

In the preceding description, rows of bullets have been concerned which are rigidly but detachably connected together. In order to insure that separation takes place, in further forms of the invention devices can be arranged in the barrel opening which impart lateral pressure effects to the bullets passing through. These pressure effects are preferably displaced in the circumferential direction as regards successive bullets. Devices of this kind are shown in FIGS. 15 to 21.

In FIG. 15, a front barrel section is shown at 111. For example, this can be a barrel section which corresponds to the unrifled cylindrical barrel part 108 of FIG. 22. An extension piece 144 is screwed on to this barrel section by means of a threaded sleeve 112 and a cap nut 113, which extension piece 144 widens conically towards its discharge opening 115. On the end of the barrel section 111, an impact bush 116 is provided, which has an inner aperture 117 with a convexly curved wall portion, the inner crosssection of which approximately corresponds to the calibre of the barrel section 111. This bush 116 is reciprocable in the direction of the arrow 118 transversely of the bore axis of the barrel in the section 111, so that it projects into the barrel with a cross-section corresponding to the dotted line 119 and can be moved by the impact of a bullet into a diametrically opposite position.

This movement by the bush 116 is only possible if a setting member is withdrawn by means of a sleeve 120, so that a disc-shaped projecting flange 121 on the bush 116 can be released. The setting member has a conical surface 123 coresponding to a conical surface 122 on the flange 121, which surface 123 is positioned to fix the bush 116 in the middle position so that no movement occurs. If the sleeve is drawn back in the direction of the arrow 124, the bush 116 can move freely and extend into the position which is indicated by the dotted line 119. A rod 125 serves for this, which is guided in the traction device or in its vicinity and is connected by means of a lever 126, through a slot 127 in the cap nut 113, with the sleeve 120.

Not only can the extent of any desired spreading of the cone of fire can be adjusted by the conicity of the abutment surfaces, but also it can be seen that successive alternate bullets are differently affected by the curved aperture surfaces of the impact bush 116, which alternately directs them to one side or the other and itself imparts a laterally acting pulse which causes breakage of the connection between successive individual bullets.

It may be mentioned that, advantageously, an overcalibre can be provided in the arrangement in the region at 128.

It will also be understood that with the sleeve 120 moved forward and with a central position of the bush 116, spot firing can take place, whereas gradual withdrawal of the sleeve leads to progressive enlargement of the cone of fire. On withdrawing the sleeve 120, a spring 129 ensures that the bush 116 remains supported in an eccentric starting position. On the other hand, the friction of the bush within the guide part provided ensures that a resetting or the reciprocal movement can only be attained by the successive impacts of the individual bullets. Insofar as the bush is guided at its front sides with predetermined friction, so that the adjacent front side is located in the appropriate section of the barrel.

FIGS. 16 to 18 show an arrangement which is advantageously used in firearms in which the propellent gases are used for repetition or adjustment of the breech. The end section of the normal barrel i indicated at 130 and, on an enlargement 131, it carries a conically widening barrel section 133, which is secured by means of an external screw-threaded sleeve 132. The screw-threaded sleeve 132 forms a chamber 134 in which a wheel 136 movable in the peripheral direction is rotatable about the inner end of the barrel section 133. The end section 135 has radial borings 137, 138, 139, 140 displaced by 90. The wheel 136 rotatable in the circumferential direction has a recess 141 extending in the axial direction and on the edge opposite the end of the barrel a saw tooth-like profiling 142 which faces a chamber 143. This chamber is formed by the wheel being guided by a projection 144 on the widened part 151, so that the projection does not extend to the outer periphery of the widening. In this widening by means of a duct 145 which comes from a repeater device and, if required, can be guided in the barrel 130 together with the aperture 146 for the bullets, gas pressure is introduced. The end 147 of the duct is angled so that the gas pressure acts on the sawtooth-shaped profiling 142 in order to rotate the wheel 136. In this way, the recess 141 which is in connection with the gas storage chamber 143, 134 is rotated in the circumferential direction, so that successively the gas pressure is directed via the borings 137 to 140 and a lateral gas pressure is exerted or the individual bullets being ejected. This pressure leads to separation of the rows or chains of bullets described with breakage points or separable connections.

FIGS. 19 to 21 show a further embodiment of the invention. The cylindrical barrel part described is shown at 148. On the barrel part 148, a sleeve 149 is secured. Two helical lining members 150, 151 are rotatable in this sleeve. These lining members have an inner diameter corresponding to the calibre of the barrel portion 148. As shown in FIG. 20, the helical lining portions 150, 151 are mutually symmetrically arranged, so that upper and lower gas inlet slots of uniform width are produced and a symmetrical loading of the barrel occurs.

It may be mentioned that one of the lining members, for example the member 150 can be fixed in the sleeve 149, Whereas the other lining member 151 is rotatably mounted in the sleeve, but is not axially movable. This can be done by way of a circumferential slot in the sleeve 149, through which a projection on the member 151 is gmided. The guiding arrangement described is essential for avoiding axial displacement. If the lining member 151 is rotated in the circumferential direction, the barrel is given the appearance shown in FIG. 21 with, for example, an upper, considerably widened helical groove 152 which is continued in helical fashion through the arrangement, whereas the diametrically opposite space is closed. By this means, a unilateral effect on the passing bullets and bullet parts by means of the gases of the charge is attained. It may be mentioned that the lining members have an over-calibre, according to an important feature of the invention so that by a lateral impulse also, lateral kinking of the rigidly-connected rows of bullets is obtained, in order to cause breakage of the connections between the individual bullets.

In FIG. is shown a row or chain of bullets according to the arrangement shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. This bullet chain is distinguished by the fact that it consists of an elongated body which is provided with coniform indentations 153, 154, 155 which form anticipated theoretical breaking or fnacture points between the successive bullets and which additionally form pointed noses for the respective bullets. The leading bullet is provided with a cover 156, for example made of copper. This cover has a dish-shaped flared circumferential skirt 157 at its rear end which either seals the end of the cartridge case or seals a forward-facing aperture in the cartridge case. The bullet arrangement illustrated is preferably made of steel and represents an important embodiment of the invention.

The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 26 is based upon that shown in FIG. 3. The bullet chain shown in FIG. 26 consists of individual bullets 158, 159, 160, 161 which are separate from one another. and which each have conical recesses 162, 163, 164, 165 respectively at their rear ends, the cone angle of each of the recesses being greater than the angle subtended by the nose of the succeeding bullet. The pointed noses of the bullets are indicated by references 166, 167, 168, and 169 respectively. In distinction from the embodiments previously described this arrangement provides a novel feature in that the noses of the bullets are arranged in positions at one side of the larger-angle recesses in which they are received so that a zig-zag line 171 is produced if a line is drawn through the central longitudinal axes of the individual bullets, this zig-zag line 171 crossing and recrossing the overall longitudinal axis of the chain which is indicated by the broken line in FIG. 26a. The individual bullets are connected to one another in the previously described manner by bonding means, hard-soldering, brazing or other equivalent means, whereby the connections are separable under certain temperature or stress conditions in one of the described devices.

The foremost bullet 158 is provided with a cover 172, for example made of copper, whose rear end forms a dish-shaped flared circumferential skirt 173 which closes the cartridge case or an aperture in the front end of the cartridge case. Behind the dish-shaped skirt 173 the bullet is provided with a peripheral groove 174 into which the dish-shaped skirt 173 can be pressed when the bullet passes through a conical portion of the barrel;

FIG. 26b indicates schematically that instead of the zig-zag arrangement as shown in FIGS. 26 and 26a the individual bullets may alternatively be arranged, by suitable profiling of the recesses at their rear ends and of the noses of the succeeding bullets, so that the bullets are arranged axially but are displaced laterally of the central axis 175, possibly with circumferential displacement around the central axis 175. The overall axis of the arrangement is indicated by the broken line 175, while the central axes of the individual bullets are represented by the line 176 for the foremost bullet and the lines 177, 178, 179 for the succeeding bullets.

FIG. 27 shows a further embodiment according to the invention with a row of bullets consisting of individual bullets 180, 181, 182, 183 arranged axially one behind the other and each provided with a steel envelope 184, 185, 186, 187 Each bullet is provided at its rear end with a conical recess 188, 189, 190, 191 respectively, in which the nose of the next succeeding bullet is inserted. The steel envelopes 184 to 187 have at their rear ends an inwardly extending flange 191, 192, 193, 194 respectively, and are filled with soft cores which also provide the above-mentioned recesses 188 to 191. The row of bullets shown in FIG. 27 is intended to be fired through a barrel with an over-calibre and a conical portion which tapers towards the muzzle.

Thus, preferably, the first portion of the barrel is of greater calibre, which barrel portion is traversed by the dish-shaped skirt 195 which, for example, consists of the steel cover, but suitably in an unhardened state, and which can be flattened into the peripheral groove 196 of the first bullet. In any case, at least the muzzle portion of the barrel is of smaller calibre than is required by the bullet crosssection illustrated, so that apart from the above-mentioned tractive effect which occurs as the result of the impulsive force exerted on the dish-shaped skirt 195 of the foremost bullet in the row. There is also a separation of the individual bullets which have been secured to one another by bonding or soldering, the individual bullets being compressed by their passage through the barrel portion of reduced cross-section. This results in the individual bullets taking up a shape as shown in FIG. 28, i.e. the steel envelope 197 is compressed from the cross-section shown in FIG. 27 so that the rear, inwardly directed flange 198 is in practice forced radially inwards and, with a bullet core consisting of soft lead, is deformed in such manner that the rear recesses 188 to 191 are filled by the rearward expansion of the soft core. This results in an optimum bullet form of convexly-curved external shape with a closed rear end, and the process also causes a separation of the row of bullets into individual bullets in spite of the tractive effect.

FIGS. 23, 24 and 29 show another embodiment of cartridge. As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the cartridge consists of a case 199 having a base cap 200 in which a percussion cap 201 and gas flow passages 202 and 203 are arranged. The case is closed at its front end by a sealing disc 204, for example made of aluminium. The sealing disc 204 is pierced by holes 205, 206, 207, 208, 209 which additionally serve as guides for rows or chains of bullets 210, 211, 212. These rows of bullets may be formed according to any of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, 6 and 25 to 27. In FIG. 23 rows of bullets are illustrated which have no rear support and which can be likened particularly to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 and 6. It should be understood that other embodiments of the rows of bullets may be used which are embedded in common in one propellent charge 213. The individual bullets may be connected to one another in any of the ways described above or in any other suitable manner. The cartridges shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 require a multiple barrel which has individual barrel channels for each row of bullets.

FIG. 29 shows a cartridge case 214 having a firing device 215 and a number of rows of bullets 216, 217, 218. These rows of bullets correspond in form to those shown in FIG. 1 and are provided with rear support by retaining pins 219, 220, 221 in similar manner to the rows of bullets described above in conjunction with FIGS. 3 and 6. All the rows of bullets are disposed in a common propellent charge 222, and the individual bullets are connected to one another in the direction of propulsion by detachable couplings, the couplings being separable in the previously described manner.

The front portions 223, 224, 225 of the bullets have covers 226, 227, 228 respectively, which form dish-shaped flared circumferential skirts 229, 230, 231 respectively, these skirts being arranged to lie in edge contacting relationship and to seal off the front of the cartridge case 214. An intermediate member in the form of a front plate may also be provided if desired.

In FIG. 30 is shown a cartridge which has an essentially cylindrical case 232 which tapers gradually towards the open end and which is closed at its rear end by a base cap 233 containing a firing device in a manner already described. Within a propellent charge 234 within the case is disposed a row of bullets 235, for example corresponding to one of the already described embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 or 25 to 27. The individual bullets engage one another and are connected to one another by soldering or other bonding means, for example glue. A thermoplastic glue may be used, in which case it is essential that the bullets should separate from one another as a result of the temperature developed upon firing. Preferably, the row of bullets is supported at its rear end by a pin 236 corresponding to the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 1.

It is essential that the cartridge case should be closed off at the front by an annular sealing member 237 which encircles the front bullet 238 but which permits the nose of this front bullet to project forwardly thereof. The annular sealing member 237 may be formed of celluloid or a synthetic plastics material which has a constant frictional effect and burns quickly. The material is so chosen that, upon firing, the raised portions between the riflings in the barrel of the firearm cut into the outer surface of the annular member 237 so that all the bullets of the row of bullets 235 are given a torsional or rotational movement. The heat which is generated upon firing and which is transferred to the individual bullets ensures in the manner already described that the binding means between the individual bullets is broken. The material of the annular member 237 is, for example, also chosen so that it is completely burnt at the latest by the time that the barrel has discharged all the bullets.

As shown in FIGS. 31a and 31b the sealing member 237 may alternatively be formed from a light metallic material, for example aluminium. In this case, it is preferable to make the annulus in three parts 239, 240, 241, in order to avoid a complex shaping of the front bullet 238. These three parts are in contact with one another in the circumferential direction. In particular, the parts may be reinforced or provided with grooves and springs which interact with one another. This construction is necessary since the individual bullets are convexly curved, and further since the sealing member 237 must draw out the row of bullets from within the case, i.e. the gases acting on the member 237 must force the whole row of bullets forward out of the case before the member 237 frees itself from the front bullet 238 of the row.

FIG. 3111 shows that the sealing member, here referenced as 242, and which consists of three parts as in FIG. 31a, has a cone-shaped inwardly bevelled face 243 at the forward end. This front face 243 has the effect that the air in flowing out from the muzzle of the barrel assists in breaking up the annular member 242.

The mutual engagement between the individual parts 239, 240 and 241 in this arrangement also has the effect of producing an effective seal between the individual ring portions at the junction surfaces, i.e. an overlapping of the contact surfaces is effectively achieved.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 32, a cartridge case 244 is provided which has a reduced diameter neck portion 245 adjacent to the muzzle. A body 247 which consists of a sleeve 248 is located within the propellent charge 246 within the cartridge case. The bullets of a row of bullets 249 are embedded within this sleeve 247. In this instance, the cylindrical sleeve acts as a capsule, seals off the neck 245 of the cartridge case by means of a larger diameter portion 250 at its front end, and is centred on a pin 251 at its rear end. Within the sleeve, which, for example, may be grooved to take the individual bullets, the bullets are arranged projecting into one another in the previously described manner but are not connected or soldered together by a binding agent. The connection between the individual bullets is provided by the internal shaping of the sleeve itself.

The sleeve suitably consists of a material which is easily combustible, for example, celluloid or some other suitable synthetic plastics material. In particular, the thickness of the sleeve is so chosen with respect to the properties of the material of which it is made that the body is only fully burnt when the whole bullet array has left the barrel. The enlarged front end 250 of the sleeve imparts the necessary torsional movement to the whole bullet chain by its engagement with the rifling of the barrel.

FIG. 33 shows a cartridge case 252 in a form which has already been described, with a neck 253 of somewhat reduced diameter. The first bullet 254 of a row of bullets 255 is arranged within the neck 253 of the cartridge case, the succeeding bullets 256, 257 of the row being of smaller calibre than the first bullet. The bullets of this row of bullets are connected to one another in a manner as already described, i.e. by soldering or glueing, the binding being broken as a result of the temperature generated upon firing. A particular feature of this embodiment is that the cross-sectional load and the shape of the bullets is so fixed relative to one another that both the large first bullet 254 and also the smaller succeeding bullets have essentially the same ballistic properties. Obviously, several bullets of large calibre can be arranged at the front of the chain or row in the cartridge case.

FIG. 34 illustrates a further embodiment which is a combination of the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 33 with the type of bullet which was described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10. In a cartridge case 258, for example corresponding to the case 252 in FIG. 33, is arranged a row of bullets, the bullets apart from the foremost one being embedded in a propellent charge. The front bullet 259 is of larger calibre and seals off the neck of the cartridge case. The smaller calibre bullets 260, 261, 262 are so-called arrow-head bullets consisting of a conical body 263 (see FIG. 35a) at the rear, larger-section end of which are arranged stabilising fins 264. As shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 each of the arrow head bullets apart from the rearmost one has a conical recess 265, 266, 267 into which the tip of the following bullet is inserted. These recesses and the tips of the bullets are preferably provided with screw threads so that a mating screw-thread connection can be made between the two parts. In order to break this connection upon firing or after the bullets have left the barrel the stabilising fins 264 are inclined to the general longitudinal axis as shown in FIG. 3512 with reference to the stabilising fins 264, 268, 269, 270. With this screwthread connection, preferably by bevelled threads, it is essential that the stabilising fi-ns of the arrow-head bullets are obliquely positioned in the axial direction at a sufiicient angle to the right and to the left of the bullets lying immediately behind them. If, for example, the front, main bullet 259 has a right-hand torsional movement imparted to it in the barrel then it will have a right-hand screwthread in its rear recess 265. correspondingly, the tip of the following arrow-head bullet will also have a righthanded screw-thread, and the stabilising fins 271 on this following bullet are provided with an inclination to the left. The internal thread of the recess 266 of this latter arrow-'head bullet has a left-handed thread. The next arrow-head bullet thus 'has a left-handed thread on its tip, its stabilising fins are inclined to the right, and its rear recess has a right-handed thread. This is repeated along the line of bullets and the arrangement is generally constructed so that the bullets unscrew from one another upon leaving the barrel due to the resistance forces on the stabilising fins. The number of turns of the screw-threads is so determined that the release of the individual bullets only occur after the bullets have left the barrel, and also when a predetermined rotational movement 'has been imparted to them.

It will be realized that the bullets may additionally be provided adjacent to the threaded portions with a lubricant, for example a thermoplastic material which is hard in the cold state and becomes liquid when warm.

It is pointed out that a bullet arrangement as shown in FIG. 34 can naturally also be used with any of the bullet connection means already described. Also, the bullets as shown in FIGS. 33 and 34 are fired through a cylindrical barrel.

Bearing in mind the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 10, FIGS. 36 and 37 show a further embodiment of arrow-head bullet. The arrow-head bullet illustrated in FIGS. 36 and 37 is triangular in longitudinal section, and preferably quadrangular in cross-section. An important feature of this embodiment is that the arrow-shaped body is formed of two layers of material. A first layer forms an outer envelope 272. This preferably consists of a hard material which also forms the tip 273. A conical recess arranged at the rear end of the bullet is lined with another material 274 which extends more strongly than the material of the envelope 272 upon heating. The ends 275 and 276 of the material of the outer envelope 272 are inwardly turned to form a closure for the recess and to define at least one enclosure. These inwardly turned sections also form engaging means for an annular groove 277 at the front end of the bullet, i.e. behind the tip 273 of the bullet. The bullet is also provided with stabilishing fins 278, 279, 280 and 281 which extend radially outwards.

As a result of the heating effect developed upon firing, the bullet opens out at its rear end so that the tip of the bullet inserted therein is released.

It is also pointed out that in the embodiment illustrated the rear end of the bullet is provided with incisions, as indicated at 282, 283, 284 so that the outward expansion can take place to release the following bullet. Without the provision of such incisions there is a danger of damaging and deforming the bullets.

With respect to the tips of the bullets, i.e. in practice the conical arow portions, which are described in the various figures, it is pointed out that, instead of a screwthread, a smooth cone can be provided which provides the necessary connection with the other bullets by shrinking on or by compression. The separation of the individual bullets is ensured by the fact that the heat generated on firing causes a loosening of the shrunk on or compressed connection. This also applies to other types of bullet.

It is also possible to introduce a driving means into the connection between individual bullets such that it expands at a predetermined temperature and drives the bullets apart. Such driving means can either be mixed with an anaesthetic agent or may consist wholly of such an agent.

I claim:

1. A cartridge comprising a cartridge case, an ignition capsule for the cartridge case in the bottom thereof, an ingnitable propellent charge, an array of bullets in the cartridge case consisting of a plurality of individual bullets arranged one behind the other in at least one row, radially-extending cartridge case closure means on the formost bullet of said alignment and heat-sensitive connecting means between successive bullets of said alignment, said propellent charge being located in a chamber delimited by the inner wall and bottom of said cartridge case, the outer surface of the aligned bullets and by said closure means.

2. A cartridge according to claim 1, wherein said heatsensitive connecting means consists of a layer of a binding agent having a melting temperature equal to the temperature reached by said layer after departure of the said bullets from said case pursuant to ignition of said propellent charge.

3. A cantridge according to claim 1, wherein said bullets each comprise an envelope surrounding a core, said envelope being open at the base of the bullet.

4. A cartridge according to claim 3, wherein said core is recessed at the base of the bullet, the nose of each bullet of said row being inserted through the opening of the envelope and into the recess of the core of the next bullet in the row.

5. A cartridge according to claim 1, wherein each bullet has a steel cover, the cover of the foremost bullet of said row having an outwardly flared skirt forming the closure means for said case.

6. A cartridge according to claim 1, wherein said case is provided with a pin axially projecting within said case from the bottom thereof, said row of bullets being supported within said case by said pin and by said cartridge case closure means.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 376,728 1/1888 Brown 10292.8 926,431 6/1909 Luger 10238 1,376,530 5/1921 Greener 10238 1,669,969 5/1928 Garuth 10238 2,835,198 5/1958 Brombacher 10238 2,956,500 10/1960 Barr 10238 OTHER REFERENCES Popular Science; vol. 185, No. 3; September 1964; pp. 50, 51.

ROBERT F. STAHL, Primary Examiner. 

